FAST-FOOD outlets in Hoppers Crossing and other takeaway hotspots throughout Wyndham and the western suburbs are the subject of a recently released Melbourne University lifestyle report.

The Victorian Lifestyle and Neighbourhoods Environment Study (VicLANES) found that where people live can influence what they eat and how much they weigh.

The report discovered people who live in disadvantaged areas in Melbourne were about three kilograms heavier than residents in richer suburbs.

In the poorer areas, there were more fast-food shops and fewer walking paths.

In Hoppers Crossing, fast food is booming, with 10 outlets on three corners within 2.5 km of Derrimut and Heaths roads.

Principal researcher, Associate Professor Anne Kavanagh, said where people lived, in a richer or poorer neighbourhood, could be a more important factor in health standards than incomes.

“Living in low socio-economic status areas is harmful for both high- income and low-income households,” she said.

People in these areas often said they did not feel safe walking for exercise in their local environment and that there was too much traffic.

But, contrary to popular belief, the report found those living in the poorer suburbs had greater access to fruit and vegetables.

However, they also had more access to cheap, fast food.

“Even though fruit and vegetables in lower socio-economic areas were cheaper, their cost took up a greater proportion of people’s incomes,” Prof Kavanagh said.

“Up to a quarter of people in these areas said they had trouble carrying groceries and were more likely to run out of money to buy food, which could be influencing their shopping habits,” she said.

Prof Kavanagh said she hoped the results of the report would influence federal and state health policies.

The three-year project studied the food purchasing , alcohol consumption and exercise habits of about 5000 people in 50 low, medium and high-socio-economic neighbourhoods around Melbourne.

The report recommends that the density of fast-food outlets be reduced and walking tracks improved to help promote healthy behaviour in local communities.